Daily Update On Current Affairs – August 10, 2017

The nation celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement on the 8th August 2017. Initiating a special discussion in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to take a pledge to work honestly, fight for poverty and eradicate malnutrition in the country. He said, the menace of corruption has adversely impacted the country’s developmental journey and it has eaten our polity from inside. The Prime Minister said, from 2017 to 2022, when India turns 75, there is a need to create the same spirit that existed from 1942 to 1947. Saying, in 1942, the clarion call was Karenge Ya Marenge, Mr. Modi said, it is Karenge Aur Kar Ke Rahenge.

Maharashtra Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis accepted most of the demands raised by Maratha community during the delegation level talks between representatives of agitators and ministers on the 9th August 2017. After the meeting, Chief Minister informed House that government is positive on the reservation for Maratha community and would do everything possible for the same. He said, reservation issue is subjudice and backward commission is also looking after the matter. On other demands, Mr Fadnavis announced that scholarship will be given to Maratha students for 605 academic courses and skill education will be provided to 3 lakh students. On the 9th August 2017, around 4 to 5 lakh people of the community participated in the 58th silent Morcha in Mumbai which was started from Byculla and culminated at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.

NITI Ayog partners with six states to improve Health and Education sectors

On the 8th August 2017, NITI Ayog announced its cooperation with six states under the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital (SATH) initiative. Of the six, three will be for Health Care and three will be for the Education sectors. For Health Care, the states of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Assam have been chosen, while for Education the states chosen by NITI Ayog are Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.

Kerala and Haryana lead the way in sanitation

According to a survey report published on the 8th August 2017, almost every household in Kerala and Haryana had a toilet of its own. The survey was done by the Ministry of Drinking water and Sanitation. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are laggards, as they have the least number of toilets as compared to the other states.

Qatar scraps visit visa requirements for 80 nationalities

Qatar has announced the scrapping of visa requirements for visitors from 80 countries including India as it weathers a boycott by four Arab states and gears up to host the World Cup in 2022. Under the new policy announced by Qatar Airways and authorities yesterday, citizens of 33 mostly European countries can enter without a visa for 90 days in single or multiple trips during an 180-day period. Americans, Britons, Canadians, and citizens of 44 other countries can enter visa-free for an initial 30 days on single or multiple trips and can extend that for a further 30 days.

India ratifies commitment to the second period of Kyoto Protocol

India has ratified the commitment to the second period of the Kyoto Protocol that commits countries to contain from the emission of greenhouse gases, thus reaffirming its stance on climate action. India has become the 80th country to ratify the commitment to the second period of the Kyoto Protocol.

India is ranked 43rd in the Global Retirement Index

India is ranked 43rd in the Global Retirement Index 2017 published by the French Asset Management Company Natixis Global. The ranking is based on the following factors:
1) The material means to live comfortably on retirement
2) Access to quality health services
3) Access to quality financial services
4) Clean and safe environment.
The top 3 countries in the survey are Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.

Direct tax collection up 19% till July at Rs 1.90 lakh crore

Direct tax collections till July in the current financial year registered a growth of 19.1%. The tax collection during the period stands at Rs 1.90 lakh cr which is 19.1% higher than the net collections for the corresponding period of last year. So far, the growth rate for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is 7.2% and Personal Income Tax (PIT) is 17.5%. However, after adjusting for refunds, the net growth in CIT collections is 23.2% while the PIT collection is 15.7%.

Aadhaar may be soon made must for buying shares and MFs

Aadhaar may soon become mandatory for buying shares and mutual funds. The government and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are planning to link Aadhaar to financial market transactions to try and curb sharp practices such as conversion of black money into white through the stock market. Two people familiar with the development said the government has realized that the permanent account number (PAN) may not be enough to plug tax leaks.

Government to expand Logistics Data Bank project to South India

The Government is committed to expanding their Logistics Data Bank project to South India as well. So far, it was operational only in the western parts of the country. Logistics Data Bank was launched in 2016 in Mumbai port with a view to bringing in more efficiency in the logistics and supply chain through the use of information technology. This is mainly used for viewing and tracking the movement of containers in the ports.

ICICI Bank launches Instant Credit Card

ICICI Bank has announced the launch of the Instant Credit Card facility that will enable its savings bank customers to get Credit Cards instantly in a completely digitalized manner. The card comes with a maximum credit limit of Rs 4 lakhs, subject to internal approvals and pre checked bureau reports. The customer can immediately start shopping online, without waiting for the physical card to arrive. The facility is currently available on the Bank’s Internet Banking platform while it will soon be extended to the mobile banking also.

Singer Glen Campbell dies aged 81

Glen Campbell, the affable superstar singer of “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman” whose appeal spanned the country, pop, television, and movies, died on 8th August 2017, his family said. He was 81. Campbell’s family said the singer died on the 8th morning in Nashville and publicist Sandy Brokaw confirmed the news. No cause was immediately given. Campbell announced in June 2011 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and that it was in its early stages at that time. “Glen is one of the greatest voices there ever was in the business and he was one of the greatest musicians,” said Dolly Parton in a video statement. “He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realize that. But he could play anything and he could play it really well.”